Buffalo Bills Running Back Ray Davis to Keynote Villa of Hope’s “Portraits of Hope” Signature Event

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – February 10, 2026 – Villa of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides education, treatment, and services for people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders has a new keynote speaker for its Portraits of Hope celebration in April. Buffalo Bills Safety Jordan Poyer was initially scheduled to speak but had to cancel due to an unforeseen conflict. Now his teammate, Bills Running Back and Kick Returner Ray Davis, will join attendees at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Friday, April 10th to share his powerful story of resilience and hope.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ray Davis to Rochester for our biggest event of the year,” said Villa of Hope President and CEO Carrie Carl. “We selected Ray because he is a proponent of mental health, rooted in his history of trauma. His drive to build a meaningful life off the field reflects the heart of Villa of Hope’s work—helping people rise from adversity, find belonging, and cultivate mental well-being that leads to lasting success.”

Ray’s road to the NFL was anything but easy. After spending eight years in foster care and facing periods of homelessness, football became his emotional refuge and a key part of his mental well-being. His arrival in Buffalo marked a new chapter in his journey. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2024, he quickly became both a dynamic athlete and a community leader, eager to give back to Western New York.

“I think my purpose in life is really to understand that I’m not just here to be a football player,” said Davis. “I’m here to be a man who can be a spark in other people’s lives so they can achieve anything they want, no matter the circumstances or whatever they’re up against.”

New Portraits of Hope format, same great experience

The annual Portraits of Hope event raises funds for Villa of Hope’s programs, which serve thousands of youth, adolescents, and adults in the Greater Rochester area each year. The format of this year’s signature event will be different from previous years. “Villa of Hope has reimagined Portraits of Hope,” explained Carl. “It’s no longer a gala, but an evening dinner celebration that brings our mission to life through heartfelt stories, community connection, and powerful conversation.”

To help achieve this, instead of a formal speech, the keynote will be a more engaging coffee talk–style conversation with a moderator. Davis will also participate in a “meet and greet” session including a photo opportunity for VIP guests.

“Guests will enjoy a plated dinner, inspiring stories from Ray Davis and the Villa community, and an evening filled with purpose and celebration — all in support of the youth and families who find hope and healing through Villa of Hope’s programs,” concluded Carl. “Together, we’ll make a difference in the lives of individuals and families striving to build brighter futures.”

For the most up-to-date information about the 2026 Portraits of Hope celebration, please visit www.PortraitsofHopeGala.org.

About Villa of Hope

Villa of Hope is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that provides education, treatment, and services for youth, adults, and families struggling with mental health and substance use. Its mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to Rebuild relationships, Recover potential, and Renew hope for the future. With a vision to advance equity by transforming the social foundations of our neighbors and elevating lifelong health outcomes for our community, Villa of Hope has been serving the Rochester community since 1942. To learn more about our organization and identify ways to support the mission, please visit www.villaofhope.org.

Media Contact
Jonathan Ghent
WritLarge PR LLC
jonathanghent@writlargepr.com